Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.

Newspaper structures: different ways of learning.

Objective: The student will experience two learning conditions--working alone and working as a member of a group; and will be able to compare/contrast the two to recognize the benefits of group work.

Activity: Different Ways of Learning. Students participate in the same activity first alone, and then in a small group--that of building a newspaper structure. Students are given a stack of newspapers with which they are directed use in building the tallest structure possible. They are not allowed to use any other materials. Fifteen minutes are allotted for work time and students work at separate work stations. Once complete, students share structures. Explain to students that they will now participate in the same activity, but this time they will work as a member of a group rather than as an individual. Again, allow a work time and share once complete.

Assessment: Student ability to explain his/her experiences working alone and as a group member.